“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” GARRISON KEILLOR
One of my best-loved ways to help me feel good and better when I don’t, is to read one or more of what I call my “feel good” books.
These are works that when I read them, help me to raise my vibration instantly. When it comes to these I totally relate to Garrison Keillor’s quote above. They are indeed gifts that I treasure.
In this post I want to share some of mine with you and invite you to share some of yours too.
I have a huge selection which all ‘sit’ together on my bookshelf ready for any time I want them. Some I just dip in and and out of while others require more extensive reading.
A feel good book does not have to be of the personal development or motivational genre although many of mine are. It can also be a religious work, novel, poetry, autobiography or picture book. In fact it can be any book as long as it fulfils one criteria – it helps you to feel good when you read it.
Apart from books I also love “getting lost” in travel and cookery magazines. The colors and anticipated sensations always transport me without fail to a better feeling place.
Of course books that appeal to one person do not necessarily appeal to everybody although this really does not matter one bit. It’s always useful however to get ideas from others just in case there’s something you might enjoy too.
As I looked to see which three from my collection I was going to share with you, I ended up spending hours revelling in the joy that so many of these bring to me. In the end I decided on these, realizing that I can share many others in future posts too.
There is every chance you know or have heard of this since there is a whole series of Chicken Soup books. I have a few of them and particularly like this one.
All are great reminders that many people go through tough times and none of us is really alone in the world. These uplifting motivational stories will have you in a good mood in no time at all.
The Happiness Project - Gretchen Rubin
(Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle and Generally Have More Fun)
You’ll especially enjoy reading this is if you’re not that much of a fan of the ‘self help’ genre which for some can be a little too “airy fairy” at times.
In contrast here the author takes quite an orderly, methodical approach to finding her own path to a happier state of mind. The book became a #1 New York Times and international best-seller which I’m sure must gone some way to make Ms Rubin feel happy.
Hope For The Flowers – Trina Paulus
This is one of my all time favourites which I first came across when I was still teaching kids. It’s as relevant and fresh now as it was when it was first published in 1972.
Be warned you may not be able to find it that easily. I look out for copies whenever I am in a second hand book store or at a garage sale. I buy them and then excitedly wait for the Universe to bring me someone I can gift each of them to.
The book is simply but beautifully illustrated and often classed as a children’s novel. Truth be told, it’s a fable “partly about life, partly about revolution and lots about hope - for adults and others including caterpillars who can read”.
It’s an inspiring allegory about the the realization of one’s true destiny as told through the lives of caterpillars Stripe and Yellow who struggle to “climb to the top” before understanding that they are meant to fly.
Whenever the struggle to climb to the top of the heap overwhelms you then this refreshing message of liberation is a must read.
Feel good books are an excellent ‘distraction tool’ which can help you to refocus your thoughts and thereby change your vibration to something that feels better.
When you feel better you’re in control of your vibration, allowing yourself to become who you are.
It’s quite likely you already have some books that make you feel good. Perhaps you’ve just not elevated them to place of importance on your bookshelf? Why not do that today?
If you’d like to share some of your favourites, which three would you recommend and why?
Be Happy!
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I haven’t read any of these Marcus although I have read some of the Chicken Soup series.
I think one of the ones I have loved the most is “The Travelers Gift” by Andy Andrews. I think his journey through self discovery was definitely an inspirational read for me. Not sure if everyone else would agree but I have to admit, it’s one of my favorites.
I’ll have to look into these others you’ve suggested. I don’t have a lot of time for reading just enjoyable books anymore but I think they are a nice break from time to time.
Thanks for this list Marcus.
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Marcus Baker Reply:
January 25th, 2012 at 6:06 am
Hi Adrienne,
I am familiar with the title you mention and have to agree it is a very uplifting story.
Maybe it ‘s time to just treat yourself to reading a book purely for pleasure again Adrienne?
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
I love reading Daily Bread. The stories their is true and we can be inspire by the lives of people from their failures to their success. Thanks for this list. Definitely I will check them out!
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Marcus Baker Reply:
January 24th, 2012 at 1:12 am
Hi Kathryn,
That’s a great addition, thank you Kathryn. I know plenty of people who read Daily Bread and find it very uplifting.
~Marcus
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Great selection of books Marcus!
While I haven’t really read any of these, I sure have heard a great deal about them. I have however read a few of the Chicken Soup series, and feel they are just wonderful.
It was during my college days that book reading was truly an enjoyable hobby and great way to distract you and take you away from your daily stresses of life. I guess nowadays we really need that peaceful kind of time to devote to reading good books and enjoying them, without really having anything else on your mind!
I mostly find such kind of time when I am travelling or on vacation, and then I love to go through more of the romantic kind of novels
Thanks so much for sharing
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Marcus Baker Reply:
January 25th, 2012 at 5:57 am
Hi Harleena,
Books truly are able to transport us away and when they do that they also distract us so that we can just feel relief in our lives.
The romance genre is if I am not mistaken the most lucrative of all book markets which just goes to show how successful it is as a major distraction tool. Thank you for adding this to the discussion. I am sure many others will agree with you too.
~Marcus
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I can’t say that I’m a big fan of motivational books or self-help guides, but I do have a huge respect this genre. When I feel low those books are always ready to make me feel better.Isn’t that amazing? That quote is so true and with that, I can say that Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff series are in a very sacred place of my bookshelf.
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Marcus Baker Reply:
January 25th, 2012 at 5:50 am
Hi Claire,
Thank you for sharing one of your favourites here. I have always loved the title of that book but for some reason never read it. I think that may just need to change though.
~Marcus
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Marcus,
Being a book junkie I have read hundreds of inspiring books that raised my vibrations.
I would recommend “Conversations With God” by Neale Donald Walsh. Books 1,2 and 3 of the trilogy.
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Marcus Baker Reply:
January 25th, 2012 at 2:18 am
Hi Justin,
Returning to books we know lifts our vibration if only for a short refresher makes great sense.
I have and know all three of the books your recommend and agree with you that they are indeed inspiring.
Thanks for adding these to the list Justin.
~Marcus
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Thanks a lot for your recommendations! I will try to find time for reading these books
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Marcus Baker Reply:
January 25th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
I hope you enjoy the books as well as some of those left by others in the comments section.
~Marcus
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Marcus~
Some of my most recent favorites are:
The Aleph by Paulo Coehlo – it is written in the similar format at The Alchemist meaning that the reader never knows the main character’s name thus allowing you to really dive into the book and experience it first hand. It is his most recent book and quite eye opening. It is still on my nightstand as I plan on reading it again and again and again.
Another is Zero Limits by Joe Vitale. It’s through the process of love that one realizes all is possible and curable as you will read if inspired to do so.
Lastly, I’m going to go with Gone With The Wind. It’s an oldie but goodie. If you haven’t read it, it does resemble the book, but goes so much deeper into the character development which includes the psychological background of the characters. Brilliant.
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Marcus Baker Reply:
February 10th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Hi Christine,
My apologies. This comment got lost amongst all the ones I still have pending due to no gravatars being used.
Paul Coehlo is a wonderful writer. I have read The Alchemist but not this one so it’s another to add to my list.
Joe Vitale is another favourite teacher of mine and yet I have not read this one either. Awesome that’s two new books to add to my list.
I have always loved “Gone With The Wind” – what an epic adventure into people and relationships.
Thanks for adding these Christine!
~Marcus
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Marcus!
I am working on a page off of my Alaska Chick’s Blog to include the books I read and hold dear as well! Working on, mind you, it isn’t there as yet!
One of my ultimate (!!) favorites, from the first time I read the first page, is Oswald Chambers’s My Utmost for His Highest.
Every single time I read a passage, any passage from any day, I feel more from it, I gain more insight as to His direction for me AND, I feel comforted by understanding, if only a little more, that He hold me dear.
The Message
Is another of my favorites. Simply because I can understand it. I love the way it is written and most always I read it after reading whatever, in the Bible, just to make sure I didn’t miss the point… I find myself continuing to read, as The Message pulls me along to read more.
The Forgotten Soldier by Sager Guy (and his name may be spelled incorrectly as most of my books are packed and I do not have it within reach at this moment.)
This book travels with me into the field, every year to be read again. It is an autobiography of his life, growing up in Nazi Germany, becoming a soldier for the Reich and the moral and emotional, not to mention physical impact this had on him as a man. As well as a child of God.
What does this book do for me (and would it do for you?)? At the time that I read it, it was the first time that I can recall truly understanding, in my own heart and mind, that we are all children of His, and there is so much more than simply black and white.
So! There are three!
Thank you for allowing me to share these and what they mean to me.
At any given time, I am most likely to be reading 4-6 books at a time. Any time.
~*~
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Marcus Baker Reply:
January 25th, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Hi Amber-Lee,
Your comments are always brimming with positive energy. I love it. Thank you!
Other than Stan we have something else in common Amber… I too am always reading multiple books at a time.
People ask me how I don’t get confused which to be honest kind of confuses me.. LOL – How on earth can one not be reading more than one book at a time? Ha ha…
Thanks too for sharing some of your favorites and why you love them so. I love getting all these new titles to explore!
~Marcus
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I agree Marcus. There are books that really makes us feel good. I do feel good those books that are extremely inspiring like personal development book. Love the book that you had been recommended here and love to check them out.
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Marcus Baker Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 4:16 am
Hi Annette,
Pleased this post resonated with you and I hope you get around to reading one or two of the books I mentioned and left in the comments section.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
Ahh I’m such a list fan! I just love collecting lists of things and crossing them off as I go. I have been collecting an extensive list of books that I will enjoy in 2012 and you have just contributed nicely to that list! – So first off, thanks for that!!
I have read a couple of reviews on The Happiness Project and feel that this is one I will be getting to quickest out of your list. Why? Well, I’m one that’s a lil done with the “airy fairy” stuff, as you so eloquently put it. lol
If I could contribute a few of my own, they’d be the following:
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – yes, I’m aware that this is a “children’s book” but it’s a true classic on the art of sharing…this book has always lifted me up and provided me wisdom that carried into my adult years. Always a good read.
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff – this is one I have read til to tattered pieces of what once resembled a book. lol In it, I have found unique ways of recognizing how we so easily overcomplicate life in unnecessary ways. It is a constant reminder to me that in simplicity we may find not only bliss but success in the journey of life.
The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto – this book is full of the wonder of what we are in life. It is bursting full of photographs of the miracle we know as water. It brings evidence that what we believe, say, and do all create what we are – these things are our essences. This book is one I enjoy to thumb through and keep in my mind as I experience my day. We become what we concentrate upon.
Highest regards,
Cat Alexandra
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[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 3:55 am
HI Cat,
Great to have you visit. Thanks for leaving a great comment and adding further value here.
I think you will find “The Happiness Project” will be just what you’re after Cat. Let me know how you find it if you get around to reading it.
I have not heard of the “The Giving Tree” but I already like it just from the title so that’s one for my list.
I am a great fan of children’s books. Besides the fact that I am a visual person so respond more to color and pictures, the simplicity in children’s stories does it for me every time.
This brings me to the very subject that as you say is so brilliantly dealt with in The Tao of Pooh. My copy is also very very very well read!
I was brought up on Pooh (That does not sound as I intend it!!
) so love the whole series. I take it you have also read The Te of Piglet and The Pooh Book of Quotations?
The Hidden Messages in Water is another I don’t know but sounds fascinating. Oh well there goes my book budget again!
Thanks for adding to the discussion here Cat. Much appreciated.
~Marcus
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